Article carrier and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles B and a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The package comprises an article carrier and one or more articles. The carrier comprises an engaging panel (18) having one or more top-receiving openings A2, A3. Each of the one or more articles is received in a respective one of the top-receiving openings so as to be secured to the engaging panel. The carrier further comprises at least one wing panel (20). The at least one wing panel is hinged to the engaging panel and the wing panel is adhered to at least one article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/936,712 filed Nov. 18, 2019 thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to article carriers and to blanks forforming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the inventionrelates to a carrier of the top-gripping type having one or moreapertures for receiving and retaining an article therein.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carryingmultiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful forenabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articlesfor consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartonsor carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible andcause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed aspossible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and itssuitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. Itis desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within thecarton.

It is well known to provide top gripping article carriers in which anaperture is formed in a panel of the carrier, wherein tabs are struckfrom said aperture. The tabs are displaced out of the plane of saidpanel when an article is received in the aperture, wherein said tabsengage the article generally about a flange or lip of the article.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field ofcartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging at least one article, the carrier comprising a main panelhaving at least one top-engaging article device for receiving andsecuring the main panel to a respective article, the carrier furthercomprising at least one wing panel, the at least one wing panel beinghinged to the main panel and wherein the wing panel is adherable to theat least one article.

Optionally, at least one top-engaging article device comprises at leastone top-receiving opening for receiving and securing the main panel to arespective article.

Optionally, at least one top-engaging article device comprises at leastone top-receiving opening for partially receiving a respective articleso as to and secure the main panel to said article.

Optionally, at least one top-engaging article device comprises a pair oftop-receiving openings for partially receiving a respective article soas to and secure the main panel to said article.

Optionally, the at least one wing panel comprises a side panel hinged tothe main panel and an end panel, wherein the end panel is adherable tothe at least one article.

Optionally, the end panel comprises a securing portion, the securingportion being disposed in overlapping relationship with the side panel.

Optionally, the securing portion is adhered to the at least one article.

Optionally, the securing portion is adhered to the side panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging at least one article, the carrier comprising an engaging panelhaving at least one top-receiving opening for receiving and securing theengaging panel to a respective article, the carrier further comprisingat least one wing panel, the at least one wing panel being hinged to theengaging panel being adherable to the at least one article.

A third aspect of the invention provides a package comprising an articlecarrier and one or more articles, the carrier comprising an engagingpanel having one or more top-receiving openings, each of the one or morearticles being received in a respective one of the top-receivingopenings so as to be secured to the engaging panel, the carrier furthercomprising at least one wing panel, the at least one wing panel beinghinged to the engaging panel being adhered to at least one article.

Optionally, the carrier comprises at least one lap panel disposed inface to face relationship with the engaging panel.

Optionally, the at least one lap panel comprises one or more openingsfor receiving a portion of an article.

Optionally, at least one wing panel comprises a pair of wing panels inthe form of a pair of opposing side panels hinged to opposing side edgesof the engaging panel.

Optionally, the at least one lap panel is hingedly connected directly tothe engaging panel by a fold or crease line.

Optionally, the at least one lap panel is hingedly connected to the mainpanel by at least one further panel.

Optionally, the at least one further panel comprises the wing panel.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging at least one article, the carrier comprising a main panelhaving an article engaging device comprising at least one top-receivingopening, the top-receiving opening comprising a partially toothedengaging aperture having toothed perimeter section and toothlessperimeter section wherein the toothless perimeter section has a radiusof curvature (R₂) which is greater than the radius (R₁) of a notionalcircle (N_(C1)) defined by the engaging aperture.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an article carrier forpackaging at least one article, the carrier comprising a top panel andat least one wing panel hingedly connected to a side edge of the toppanel by a corner fold line, wherein the carrier comprises a handlestructure including a pair of handle openings disposed on the oppositesides of the corner fold line between a top panel and the wing panel.

Optionally, the at least one wing panel comprises a pair of wing panelsin the form of opposing side panels, and the carrier comprises a handleopening in each of the pair of wing panels.

Optionally, the carrier comprises a further handle opening in the toppanel.

Optionally, the further handle opening in the top panel comprises a pairof foldable tabs forming cushioning flaps hinged to the top panel, thefoldable tabs being hinged in opposition to each other and each beingfoldable towards one of the handle openings in one of the pair of wingpanels.

Optionally, the handle opening in each of the pair of wing panels isdefined, at least in part, by a foldable tab hinged to the respectivewing panel.

Optionally, the handle opening in each of the pair of wing panels isdefined, at least in part, by a foldable tab hinged to the top panel.

Optionally, the wing panel is a two ply structure comprising an innerwing panel and an outer wing panel disposed in face to face relationshipwith each other.

Optionally, the inner wing panel comprising a handle opening disposed inregistry or alignment with a handle opening in the outer wing panel.

Optionally, the inner wing panel is hingedly connected to the outer wingpanel.

Optionally, the handle opening in the inner wing panel is provided by anextension of the outer wing panel which is struck from the inner wingpanel, the extension creating an opening inner wing panel when the outerwing panel is folded with respect to the inner wing panel.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an articlecarrier, the blank comprising an engaging panel having at least onetop-receiving opening for receiving and securing the engaging panel to arespective article, the blank further comprising at least one wingpanel, the at least one wing panel being hinged to the engaging paneland wherein a setup carton the wing panel is adherable to the at leastone article.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended thatthe various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternativesset out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in thefollowing description and drawings may be considered or takenindependently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, oneembodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is anincompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from oneembodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the otherembodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted fromsaid one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement ofone or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed hereinmay be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment.Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodimentmay be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1showing an article retention structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from theblank of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2B is enlarged plan view of a portion of the carrier of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 3 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a carrier formed from theblank of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is an end view the carrier of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 3showing an article retention structure;

FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of a first article;

FIG. 11B is a side view of a second article showing a sectional view ofthe first article of FIG. 11B superimposed thereon;

FIG. 12 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carrieraccording to an eighth embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of an article carrier formedfrom the blank of FIG. 13 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andcarriers are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, theword “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serveas illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the packages, blanks and carriers described herein maybe embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 which iscapable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2 , forcontaining and carrying a group of primary products such as, but notlimited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, asshown in FIG. 2 . The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packagingat least one primary product container or package. Alternative blanks110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12and 13 .

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container for engaging and carrying articles,such as primary product containers. It is contemplated that theteachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers,which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containersinclude bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans(for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610; 710 are formed from a sheetof suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, theterm “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet materialsuch as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinationsthereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbersof blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide thecarrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed froma sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated withmaterials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet materialis tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. Itshould be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided bymore than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package.Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have differentcharacteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of thesheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may beparticularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating orother surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of thesheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be providedwith a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provideproperties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability,heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiments, the blanks 10; 110; 210; 310; 410; 510;610; 710 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 790 forpackaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 and 12 to 14 , the arrangementis a 2×4 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiments two rows offour articles B are provided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 , the arrangement is a 1×4 matrixor array; in the illustrated embodiment one row of four articles B areprovided, and the articles B are beverage cans. Alternatively, theblanks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510; 610; 710 can be configured to form acarrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/orfor packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 , the beverage cans may be12 oz (355 ml) cans of the sleek or slim design; that is to say thearticles B are substantially of the same diameter over their entireheight. An exemplary article B_(S) is illustrated in FIG. 11B, thearticle B_(S) has a maximum diameter or lateral dimension D_(BS) (thediameter D_(BS) may be about 2.25 inches or about 58 mm). The articleB_(S) comprises an upper portion or top closure T which has a diameteror lateral dimension D_(N) (the diameter D_(N) may be about 2.125 inchesor 54.8 mm).

The neck N_(S) may provide an outwardly projecting flange, that is tosay it may comprise an undercut for engaging with the carrier. A topclosure T may be attached to the side wall of the article B_(S) to forma seam or “chime” C which provides the flange F. In some embodiments thevariation in diameter between the top closure and the main body M_(S) ofthe article B is less than 7 mm, may be less than 5 mm and optionally isless than 4 mm.

As used herein the terms “sleek” or “slim” refer to articles B_(S) whichhave little or no variation in their lateral dimension between the topclosure T which engages with the carrier 90 and the main body M_(S) ofthe article B_(S). The articles B_(S) are substantially parallel sidedor of substantially uniform diameter.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, 12 and 13 , the beverage cansmay be 12 oz (355 ml) cans. An exemplary article B is illustrated inFIG. 11A, the article B has a maximum diameter or lateral dimensionD_(B) (the diameter D_(B) may be about 2.6 inches or about 66 mm). Thearticle B comprises an upper portion or top closure which has a diameteror lateral dimension D_(N1) (the diameter D_(N1) may be about 2.125inches or 54.8 mm). In some embodiments the variation in diameterbetween the top closure and the main body M of the article B is greaterthan 7 mm, may be 10 mm or more and optionally may be at least 12 mm.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a blank 10 comprising a plurality ofpanels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, including a main panel 18 for formingan upper ply of a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier 90 (seeFIG. 2 ). The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may bearranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding foldlines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23.

The main panel 18 includes at least one article retention structure RT.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 the main panel 18 comprises aplurality of article retention structures RT, specifically eight articleretention structures RT arranged in 2×4 matrix or array. Each of thearticle retention structures RT comprise an aperture A2, A3. A first rowarticle of retention structures RT each comprise a first aperture A2, asecond row of article retention structures RT each comprise a secondaperture A3.

Each article retention structure RT comprises an article receivingopening defined in part by a respective one of the first and secondapertures A2, A3.

Each of the article retention structures RT is substantially similar inconstruction and will therefore be described in detail with reference tothe article retention structure RT shown in FIG. 1B.

The aperture A3 comprises a perimeter which may approximate, or define,a notional circle N_(CE). The notional circle N_(CE) comprises a radiusR_(CE).

Each article retention structure comprises a plurality of teeth Tdisposed about the circumference or perimeter of their respectivearticle receiving opening.

The teeth T are formed in the main panel 18 about the aperture A3.

Each tooth T comprises an engaging or tooth edge E1, as shown in FIG.1B. Each tooth edge E1 may be arcuate. The tooth edges E1 may be definedby an arc or portion of a circle N_(CT). In one example the circleN_(CT) may have a radius of 50 mm (63/32″). The radius of the circleN_(C)T may be in the range 30 mm (1.181″) to 75 mm (189/64″).

In the illustrated embodiment the tooth edges E1 are defined by aportion of the circle N_(C)T, the circle N_(CT) comprises a radiusR_(CT) which is greater than the radius R_(CE) of the notional circleN_(CE) of the aperture A3.

The main panel 18 comprises cutaways C in the form of recesses ornotches. The cutaways C are substantially “U” shaped, the cutaways Ceach define a portion of a notional circle N_(CR) see FIG. 1B. Thenotional circle N_(CR) comprises a radius R_(CR).

The cutaways C extend radially outward from the notional circle N_(CE)defined by the teeth T.

The teeth T are each defined, at least in part, by a pair of cutaways C.The cutaways C form relief elements extending radially away from thecentre of the notional circle N_(CE).

In one embodiment the cutaways C are defined by a portion of a circlehaving a radius of about 2.38 mm ( 3/32″), the radius may be in therange 1.59 mm ( 1/16″) to 4.76 mm ( 3/16″).

It will be appreciated that the radius of curvature R_(C)T of theengaging edges of the teeth T is substantially greater than the radiusof curvature of the cutaways C. The ratio of the radius of curvature ofthe cutaways C to the radius of curvature R_(C)T of the engaging edgesof the teeth T, may be in the range 0.02 to 0.16.

The outermost portions of the cutaways C define a notional circleN_(CR), the notional circle N_(CR) is concentric with notional circleN_(CE) defined by the apertures A2, A3. The notional circle N_(CR) iscomprises a radius R_(CR) which is greater than the radius R_(CE) of thenotional circle N_(CE) defined by the apertures A2, A3. A gap, space ordistance F1 is defined radially therebetween, and may be considered tobe the depth or radial dimension of the cutaways C.

Optionally, the notional circle N_(CR) defined by the cutaways C isarranged to be substantially equal to, or slightly greater than a circledefined by a rim, chime or uppermost end of the article B to be receivedtherein. That is to say the diameter D_(N) of the rim, chime oruppermost end of the article B is substantially equal to, or slightlyless than the twice the radius R_(CR), (D_(n)≤2R_(CR)).

The blank 10 comprises a first outer side panel 16 hingedly connected toa first side edge of the main panel 18 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 17. A first inner side panel 14 is hingedlyconnected to the first outer side panel 16 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 15.

The blank 10 comprises a second outer side panel 20 hingedly connectedto a second side edge of the main panel 18 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 19. The second side edge of the main panel 18opposes the first side edge of the main panel 18. A second inner sidepanel 22 is hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 20 by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The blank 10 comprises a first lap panel 12 hingedly connected to thefirst inner side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 13.

The blank 10 comprises a second lap panel 24 hingedly connected to thesecond inner side panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 23.

The first lap panel 12 comprises a plurality of third apertures A1, theembodiment of FIG. 1 comprises four third apertures A1 arranged in 1×4matrix or array. Each of the third apertures A1 is arranged to bedisposed in registry with a respective one of the apertures A2 of thefirst row article retention structures. The radius of the thirdapertures A1 may be substantially equal to, or greater than, the radiusof the notional circle N_(CR). The diameter of the third apertures A1may be substantially equal to, or greater than, the diameter D_(N1) ofthe top closure of the articles B.

The second lap panel 24 comprises a plurality of fourth apertures A4,the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises four fourth apertures A4 arranged in1×4 matrix or array. Each of the fourth apertures A4 is arranged to bedisposed in registry with a respective one of the apertures A3 of thesecond row article retention structures. The radius of the fourthapertures A4 may be substantially equal to, or greater than, the radiusof the notional circle N_(CR). The diameter of the fourth apertures A4may be substantially equal to, or greater than, the diameter D_(N1) ofthe top closure of the articles B.

The first lap panel 12 and the second lap panel 24 are configured to bedisposed in face to face relationship with the main panel 18. The firstlap panel 12 is disposed in overlapping relationship with the main panel18. The second lap panel 24 is disposed in overlapping relationship withthe main panel 18.

The first lap panel 12 may comprise an undulating or curvilinear freeedge defining a plurality of tabs or projections T1, T2, T3. The secondlap panel 24 may comprise an undulating or curvilinear free edgedefining a plurality of recesses R₁, R₂, R3. The free edge of the firstlap panel 12 is arranged to mate or tessellate with the free edge of thesecond lap panel 24. The free edge of the second lap panel 24 iscomplementary to the free edge of the first lap panel 12.

The fold line 17 may comprise or be interrupted by one or more cutaways17A, 17B, 17C, in the form of apertures, which reduce the foldingresistance.

The fold line 13 may comprise or be interrupted by one or more cutaways13A, 13B, 13C, in the form of cut lines, which reduce the foldingresistance. The cut lines may be non-linear, optionally U-shaped. Eachof the cut lines may be arranged to be disposed in registry with arespective one of the apertures or cutaways interrupting the fold line17.

The fold line 19 may comprise one or more cutaways 19A, 19B, 19C, in theform of apertures, which reduce the folding resistance.

The fold line 23 may comprise or be interrupted by one or more cutaways23A, 23B, 23C, in the form of cut lines, which reduce the foldingresistance. The cut lines may be non-linear, optionally U-shaped. Eachof the cut lines may be arranged to be disposed in registry with arespective one of the apertures or cutaways interrupting the fold line19.

The main panel 18 may optionally comprise a first handle structure H2.The first handle structure H2 may comprise a first handle opening. Thefirst handle opening may be defined by a pair of tabs 50A, 50B struckfrom the main panel 18 each hingedly connected thereto by a fold line51A, 51B. The pair of tabs 50A, 50B are located in a region disposedcentrally between a first pair of article retention structures RT and asecond pair of article retention structures RT.

The first lap panel 12 may optionally comprise a second handle structureH1. The second handle structure H1 may comprise a second handle opening.The second handle opening is struck from the first lap panel 12. Thesecond handle opening may be defined by a pair of tabs 40A, 40B struckfrom the first lap panel 12 each hingedly connected thereto by a foldline 41A, 41B

Turning to the construction of the carrier 90 from the blank 10, theblank 10 may be applied to a group of articles B.

The blank 10 is folded about fold line 15 to bring the first outer sidepanel 14 into face to face relationship with the first inner side panel16 and the first lap panel 12 into face to face relationship with aportion of the main panel 18.

The blank 10 is folded about fold line 21 to bring the second outer sidepanel 22 into face to face relationship with the second inner side panel20 and the second lap panel 24 into face to face relationship with asecond portion of the main panel 18.

The second handle structure H1 is brought into vertical alignment withthe first handle structure H2.

Glue or other adhesive treatment G is applied to the first inner sidepanel 16 and to the second inner side panel 20 (see FIG. 2 ).

The blank 10 is lowered with respect to a group of articles B. Each ofthe article retention structures RT of the blank 10 are aligned with arespective article B in the group. Portions of the articles B passthrough the main panel 18 and through a respective one of the first andsecond lap panels 12, 24. The toothed regions of the main panel 18 abouteach of the article retention structures RT may be folded out of theplane of the main panel 18.

Each toothed region of the main panel 18 may be folded about one of thearticles B received in the respective one of the article retentionstructures RT, the blank 10 may deform about the article B for examplebut not limited to a shoulder portion of the article B, where thearticle B is a can the shoulder portion may be provide by the neck-in asshown in FIG. 2B.

The engaging edges E1 of the teeth T engage beneath a projection. Theprojection may be located about the neck or chime of the article B(which may provide a flange F) of an article B. When the article B iscan the projection may be provided by a canner's end seam. In otherembodiments it may be provided by a ridge or undercut shaping of thearticle B or by an end closure of the article B for example but notlimited to a crown cork or closure. In this way, the engaging edges E1grip or hold the article B and prevent or inhibit the article B fromunintentionally separating from the main panel 18. The assembled carrier90 is shown in FIG. 2 .

The blank 10 includes at least a paperboard substrate. The material ofthe paperboard substrate may be selected from any conventionalpaperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 1 Opt.,preferably from about 16pt. to about 28pt. (0.028″/˜0.7 mm). An exampleof such a substrate is a 27 point (pt.) SBS board (solid bleachedsulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK®board (Coated Natural Kraft®-an unbleached kraft paperboard having aclay coating on one side, trade name CarrierKoteTM) manufactured byWestRock® Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached orunbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side,optionally the side opposite the lamination, with a conventional coatingselected for compatibility with the printing method and boardcomposition.

The blank 10 may include a tear resistant layer laminated to thepaperboard layer. It optionally includes an adhesive layer between thepaperboard substrate and the tear resistant layer. The tear resistantlayer may be disposed over the uncoated side of the paperboard substrateand may be formed of polymeric material and secured to the substrate.The tear resistant layer imparts toughness to the laminate structure.Suitable tear resistant materials may include, but not be limited to,tear resistant laminated sheet material, e.g., NATRALOCK®, which mayinclude a layer of an n-axially oriented film, e.g. MYLAR®, which is abi-axially oriented polyester, oriented nylon, cross-laminated polyolefin or high density polyolefin. The orientation and cross-laminatedstructure of these materials contribute to the tear resistantcharacteristic. Also, tear resistance may be attributed to the chemicalnature of the tear resistant material such as extrudedmetallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (m PE).

Alternatively, the tear resistant layer may be a layer of linearlow-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In embodiments where linearlow-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or mPE is used, it is not necessary toincorporate an adhesive layer. Other suitable materials having a highlevel of tear resistance may also be used.

The adhesive layer may be formed of polyolef in material such as alow-density polyethylene (LDPE). The adhesive layer may be placedbetween the substrate and the tear resistant layer to secure the tearresistant layer to the substrate.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 12 , there are shown additional embodimentsof the present disclosure. In the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixthillustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used todenote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”, “200”,“300”, “400”, “500” to indicate that these features belong to thesecond, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments respectively. Theadditional embodiments share many common features with the firstembodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2B will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment and shows a blank 110 comprisinga plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, including amain panel 118 for forming an upper ply of a top wall or an engagingpanel of a carrier 190 (see FIG. 4 ). The plurality of panels 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one tothe next by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123.

The blank 110 comprises a first outer side panel 116 hingedly connectedto a first side edge of the main panel 118 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 117. A first inner side panel 114, in the form of apair of connecting panels, is hingedly connected to the first outer sidepanel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 115. Thefirst outer side panel 116 comprises an extension or projection which isstruck from material which would otherwise form the first inner sidepanel 114, the extension interrupts the fold line 115. The extension isdefined at least in part by a cut line 125.

The blank 110 comprises a second outer side panel 120 hingedly connectedto a second side edge of the main panel 118 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 119. The second side edge of the main panel 118opposes the first side edge of the main panel 118. A second inner sidepanel 122, in the form of a pair of connecting panels, is hingedlyconnected to the second outer side panel 120 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 121. The second outer side panel 120 comprisesan extension or projection which is struck from material which wouldotherwise form the second inner side panel 122, the extension interruptsthe fold line 121. The extension is defined at least in part by a cutline 127.

The blank 110 comprises a first lap panel 112 hingedly connected to thefirst inner side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 113. The extension of the first outer side panel 116 may interruptthe fold line 113 between the first lap panel 112 and the first innerside panel 114. A portion of the cut line 125 may interrupt or intersectwith the fold line 113. A portion of the cut line 125 may be collinearwith the fold line 113.

The blank 110 comprises a second lap panel 124 hingedly connected to thesecond inner side panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 123. The extension of the second outer side panel 120 may interruptthe fold line 123 between the second lap panel 124 and the second innerside panel 122. A portion of the cut line 127 may interrupt or intersectwith the fold line 123. A portion of the cut line 127 may be collinearwith the fold line 123.

The main panel 118 of the blank 110 includes at least one articleretention structure. The main panel 118 comprises a plurality of articleretention structures, specifically eight article retention structuresarranged in 2×4 matrix or array. Each of the article retentionstructures comprise an opening or aperture A2, A3.

Each of the article retention structures are substantially similar inconstruction to each other and will be described in further detail byreference to the article retention structures illustrated in FIG. 10 .The article retention structure comprises a plurality of teeth Tdisposed about the perimeter of the aperture A3. The article retentionstructure may comprise nine teeth T disposed about the perimeter of theaperture A3.

The main panel 118 comprises cutaways C in the form of recesses ornotches. The cutaways C are substantially “U” shaped, the cutaways Ceach define a portion of a notional circle N_(C1) see FIG. 10 . Thenotional circle N_(C1) comprises a radius R₁.

The cutaways C extend radially outward from the centre C1 of thenotional circle N_(C1).

The teeth T are each defined, at least in part, by a pair of cutaways C.The cutaways C form relief elements extending radially away from thecentre C1 of the notional circle N_(C1).

The plurality of teeth may occupy an arc or portion of the perimeter ofthe aperture A3 (or notional circle N_(C1)) which subtends about 270°.

The article retention structure comprises tooth free region E. The toothfree region E occupies an arc or portion of the perimeter of theaperture A3 which subtends about 90°.

The tooth free region E occupies an arc of the notional circle N_(C1)defined by a sector of the notional circle N_(C1) in which the radii ofthe sector subtend about 90°.

The tooth free region E comprises an arcuate edge or cut which isdefined by a second notional circle N_(C2). The second notional circleN_(C2) comprises a radius R₂ extending from a centre C₂.

The radius R₂ of the second notional circle N_(C2) is greater in lengththan the radius R₁ of the first notional circle N_(C1).

The centre C₂ of the second notional circle N_(C2) is offset from thecentre C₁ of the first notional circle N_(C1). The centre C₂ of thesecond notional circle N_(C2) is inset with respect the first or secondside edge of the main panel 118 to a greater extent, by a longer lineardimension, than the centre C₁ of the first notional circle N_(C1).

The edge or cut defining the tooth free region E has the effect oftruncating the aperture A3; when compared to the apertures A2, A3 of theembodiments of FIG. 1 . This has the benefit of spacing the aperturesA2, A3 from the respective one of the first and second side edges of themain panel 118. This may be beneficial when packaging articles B_(S)having a slim or sleek design as illustrated in FIG. 11B.

In this way the fold lines 117, 119 may be disposed in closer proximityto the side walls of the body M_(S) of the article B_(S), thus the firstand second outer side panels 116, 120 may be readily glued or adhered tothe article B_(S), as indicated by glue areas G in FIG. 4 .

The blank 110 may comprise optional fold lines 145, 147 extendinglongitudinally of the main panel 118. The fold line 145 may beinterrupted by the first row of apertures A2. The fold line 147 may beinterrupted by the second row of apertures A3. The fold lines 145, 147may facilitate engagement of the main panel 118 with the articles B_(S).

The tooth free region E of the apertures A2, A3 may interrupt theoptional fold lines 145, 147.

The fold lines 145 may extend between one end of a tooth free region Eof one of the apertures A2 and an end of a tooth free region E of anadjacently disposed aperture A2, or an end edge of the main panel 118;the fold line 147 may be similarly arranged with respect apertures A3.

In this way the tooth free region of the main panel 118 may be foldablewith respect to the portion of the main panel 118 in which the teeth Tare provided.

The tooth free regions E of the apertures A2, A3 are disposed adjacentor proximate to the side edges of the main panel 118.

The main panel 118 may optionally comprise a handle structure H2. Thehandle structure H2 comprises a first opening which may be formed, ordefined, by a pair of foldable tabs 150A, 150B. The first opening isstruck from the main panel 118 and is located in a region disposedcentrally between a first pair of article retention structures and asecond pair of article retention structures

The first and second lap panels 112, 124 may comprise a second openingsformed at least in part by a second handle apertures A5. The secondhandle apertures A5 are struck from the first and second lap panels 112,124 and arranged to be disposed in vertical registry with each other andwith the first opening in the main panel 118. In a setup condition thehandle structure comprise a three ply structure formed from each of thefirst and second lap panels 112, 124 and the main panel 118.

Each of the first and second outer side panels 116, 120 may comprise athird opening which may be formed, or defined, by a foldable tab 160A,160B hingedly connected to the blank 110 by fold lines 161A, 161B. Thethird openings are struck from the first and second outer side panels116, 120 and arranged to be aligned with a void or gap between oradjacent to a pair of article B_(S).

The third opening and the first and second openings are arranged to becollinear with each other and may be medially disposed between opposingends of the carrier 190.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment and shows a blank 210 for forminga carrier (not shown), the third embodiment is substantially similar tothe first embodiment of FIG. 1 and comprises a plurality of panels 212,214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, including a main panel 218 for forming anupper ply of a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier. The pluralityof panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 may be arranged in a linearseries hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 213, 215, 217,219, 221, 223.

The blank 210 comprises a first outer side panel 216 hingedly connectedto a first side edge of the main panel 218 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 217. A first inner side panel 214 is hingedlyconnected to the first outer side panel 216 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 215.

The blank 210 comprises a second outer side panel 220 hingedly connectedto a second side edge of the main panel 218 by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 219. The second side edge of the main panel 218opposes the first side edge of the main panel 218. A second inner sidepanel 222 is hingedly connected to the second outer side panel 220 by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 221.

The blank 210 comprises a first lap panel 212 hingedly connected to thefirst inner side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 213.

The blank 210 comprises a second lap panel 224 hingedly connected to thesecond inner side panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 223.

The blank 210 of FIG. 6 is configured to accommodate a plurality ofarticles B_(S) of the slim or sleek design shown in FIG. 11B, the blank210 employs article retention structures substantially similar inarrangement to those of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 10 .

The blank 210 of FIG. 6 is configured to employ handle structuressubstantially similar to those of FIG. 3 . The first and second lappanels 212, 224 comprises apertures A5 arranged to be in verticalregistry with each other and with an opening in the main panel 218provided by a pair of foldable tabs 250A, 250B.

Each of the first and second outer side panels 216, 220 may comprise athird opening which may be formed, or defined, by a foldable tab 260A,260B hingedly connected to the blank 210 by fold lines 261A, 261B.

The third openings are struck from the first and second outer sidepanels 216, 220 and arranged to be aligned with a void or gap between oradjacent to a pair of article B_(S).

Each of the first and second inner side panels 214, 222 may comprise afourth opening which may be formed by an aperture A6, the apertures A6arranged to be in registry with a third opening in a respective one ofthe first and second outer side panels 216, 220.

The first and second inner side panels 214, 222 comprise glue locationsG for preparation with glue or other adhesive treatment such that eachof the articles B_(S) are secured to an adjacent one of the first andsecond inner side panels 214, 222.

The first and second lap panels 212, 224 each comprise apertures A1, A4for receiving an article B_(S), the apertures A1, A4 may comprises anotch or recess extending substantially radially therefrom. The notch orrecess configured to intersect or interrupt the fold line 213, 223hinging the first or second lap panels 212, 224 to the respective one ofthe first and second inner side panels 214, 222. In this way the notchencourages folding along the fold lines 213, 223, and may reduce orinhibit distortion or undesirable folding in the first and second lappanels 212, 224. In this way the blank 210 may fold more accurately orconsistently along the fold lines 213, 223.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment and shows a blank 310 for forminga carrier (not shown), the fourth embodiment comprises a plurality ofpanels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, including a main panel 314 for formingan upper ply of a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier.

The blank 310 comprises a first side panel 318 hingedly connected to afirst side edge of the main panel 314 by a hinged connection in the formof a fold line 317.

The blank 310 comprises a second side panel 320 hingedly connected to asecond side edge of the main panel 314 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 319.

The blank 310 comprises a first lap panel 312 hingedly connected to afirst end edge of the main panel 314 by a hinged connection in the formof a fold line 313.

The blank 310 comprises a second lap panel 316 hingedly connected to asecond end edge of the main panel 314 by a hinged connection in the formof a fold line 315. The second end edge of the main panel 314 opposesthe first end edge of the main panel 314.

The main panel 314 comprises a plurality article retention structuressubstantially similar in arrangement to those of the embodiment of FIGS.1 and 1B, the blank 310 is configured to accommodate a plurality ofarticles B substantially of the type illustrated in FIG. 11A.

The first lap panel 312 and second lap panel 316 are folded about foldlines 313, 315 respectively to be disposed in face to face relationshipwith the main panel 314. The first lap panel 312 comprises a pluralityof apertures A1 arranged to be disposed in registry with a first groupof apertures A2 in the main panel 314. The second lap panel 316comprises a plurality of apertures A4 arranged to be disposed inregistry with a second group of apertures A3 in the main panel 314.

The first lap panel 312 and second lap panel 316 each comprises a recessR1, R2 in a free end edge opposing their respective hinged connection tothe main panel 314. The recesses R1, R2 together define an opening in alower ply of the carrier provided by the first and second lap panels312, 316 the opening being in registry with a handle structure H in themain panel 314 in a setup carrier.

Each of the first and second side panels 318, 320 comprise gluelocations G for preparation with glue or other adhesive treatment forsecuring each of the articles to be packaged to an adjacent one of thefirst and second side panels 318, 320.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment and shows a blank 410 for forminga carrier (not shown), the fifth embodiment comprises a plurality ofpanels 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, including a main panel 414 for forming atop wall or an engaging panel of a carrier.

A first side panel 418 is hingedly connected to a first side of the mainpanel 414 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 417. Asecond side panel 420 is hingedly connected to a second side of the mainpanel 414 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 419.

The blank comprises a first end strap 426A/422A/412/422B/426B. The firstend strap 426A/422A/412/422B/426B comprises a first end panel 412. Afirst corner panel 422A is hingedly connected to a first end of thefirst end panel 412 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line421A. A first securing panel 426A is hingedly connected to an end of thefirst corner panel 422A by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 423A. A first gusset panel 428A is hingedly interconnected betweenthe first securing panel 426A and a first end of the first side panel418 by fold lines 425A, 427A.

A second corner panel 422B is hingedly connected to a second end of thefirst end panel 412 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line421B. A second securing panel 426B is hingedly connected to an end ofthe second corner panel 422B by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 423B. A second gusset panel 428B is hingedly interconnectedbetween the second securing panel 426B and a first end of the secondside panel 420 by fold lines 425B, 427B.

The first end panel 412 is separated from, or severable from, the mainpanel 414. The blank 410 may comprise at least one cut line or frangibleline for severing the first end panel 412 from the main panel 414.

The first corner panel 422A is separated from the main panel 414. Theblank 410 may comprise an aperture separating, at least in part, thefirst corner panel 422A from the main panel 414. The first corner panel422A may be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 414 by acut line or frangible line.

The second corner panel 422B is separated from the main panel 414. Theblank 410 comprises an aperture separating, at least in part, the secondcorner panel 422B from the main panel 414. The second corner panel 422Bmay be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 414 by a cutline or frangible line.

The first end strap 426A/422A/412/422B/426B forms a first end wall ofthe carrier.

The blank comprises a second end strap 430A/424A/416/424B/430B. Thesecond end strap 430A/424A/416/424B/430B comprises a second end panel416. A third corner panel 424A is hingedly connected to a first end ofthe second end panel 416 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 429A. A third securing panel 430A is hingedly connected to an endof the third corner panel 424A by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 431A. A third gusset panel 432A is hingedly interconnectedbetween the third securing panel 430A and a second end of the first sidepanel 418 by fold lines 433A, 435A.

A fourth corner panel 424B is hingedly connected to a second end of thesecond end panel 416 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line429B. A fourth securing panel 430B is hingedly connected to an end ofthe fourth corner panel 424B by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 431B. A fourth gusset panel 432B is hingedly interconnectedbetween the fourth securing panel 430B and a second end of the secondside panel 420 by fold lines 433B, 435B.

The second end panel 416 is separated from, or severable from, the mainpanel 414. The blank 410 may comprise at least one cut line or frangibleline severing the second end panel 416 from the main panel 414.

The third corner panel 424A is separated from the main panel 414. Theblank 410 comprises an aperture separating, at least in part, the thirdcorner panel 424A from the main panel 414. The third corner panel 424Amay be separated, at least in part, from the main panel 414 by a cutline or frangible line.

The fourth corner panel 424B is separated from the main panel 414. Theblank 410 comprises an aperture separating, at least in part, the fourthcorner panel 424B from the main panel 412.

The fourth corner panel 424B may be separated, at least in part, fromthe main panel 414 by a cut line or frangible line.

The second end strap 430A/424A/416/424B/430B forms a second end wall ofthe carrier.

The main panel 414 of the blank 410 includes at least one articleretention structure RT1, RT2. The main panel 414 comprises a pluralityof article retention structures, specifically eight article retentionstructures arranged in 2×4 matrix or array. Each of the articleretention structures comprise an opening or aperture A1, A2.

In the embodiment of Figure, endmost article retention structures RT1,comprise six teeth defined, at least in part, by seven relief elementsC1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7. The endmost article retention structures RT1each comprises a toothless region TFR providing three continuoussupporting edges and two relief elements C9, C10. The toothed segment orarc TR of each endmost retention structure occupies substantially 180°of the perimeter of the respective aperture A1. The toothless segment orarc TFR of each endmost retention structure occupies substantially 180°of the perimeter of the respective aperture A1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , each of medial article retentionstructures RT2 comprises three teeth defined, at least in part, by fourrelief elements C1, C2, C3, C4. The medial article retention structuresRT2 each comprises a toothless region TFR providing four continuoussupporting edges and three relief elements. The toothed segment or arcTR of each medial retention structure occupies substantially 90° of theperimeter of the respective aperture A2. The toothless segment or arcTFR of each medial retention structure occupies substantially 270° ofthe perimeter of the respective aperture A2.

The article retention structure RT1, RT2 comprises a toothed segment orarc TR as shown in and a second segment or arc TFR.

The first segment or arc TR is ‘toothed’, the second segment or arc TFRis ‘toothless’. That is to say the aperture A1, A2 comprises a pluralityof teeth disposed about the first arc TR (the main panel 414 comprises aplurality of teeth defining the toothed segment or arc of the apertureA1, A2, in a perimeter region of the aperture A1, A2 defined by thefirst segment or arc TR. A perimeter region, second arc, of the apertureA1, A2 defined by the second segment or arc TFR is free from teeth.

The apertures A1, A2 comprises a perimeter which may approximate, ordefine, a notional circle having a centre.

The ‘toothed’ region of the main panel 414 surrounding the aperture A1comprises cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 in the form of recesses ornotches. The cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 are substantially “U”shaped, in other embodiments the cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 maybe alternatively shaped such as but not limited to “V” shaped. Thecutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 extend radially outward from thenotional circle.

The cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 define, at least in part, theteeth of the first segment TR. The teeth are defined between adjacentpairs C1/C2, C2/C3, C3/C4, C4/C5, C5/C6, C6/C7 of the cutaways C1, C2,C3, C4, C5, C6, C7.

The ‘toothed’ region of the main panel 414 surrounding the aperture A2comprises cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, in the form of recesses or notches.The cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, are substantially “U” shaped, in otherembodiments the cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, may be alternatively shapedsuch as but not limited to “V” shaped. The cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4,extend radially outward from the notional circle.

The cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4, define, at least in part, the teeth of thefirst segment TR. The teeth are defined between adjacent pairs C1/C2,C2/C3, C3/C4 of the cutaways C1, C2, C3, C4.

The toothless or tooth free region/segment TFR of the main panel 414surrounding the aperture A1, A2 comprises at least one supporting edge.The at least one supporting edge may be curvilinear or arcuate in shape.

The endmost article retention structures RT1 comprises two reliefelements C1, C7, each of which defines an end of a tooth, between whichthe toothless region/segment TFR is defined.

The toothless or tooth free region/segment TFR of the main panel 414surrounding the aperture A1 may comprise at least one relief element C9,C10 in the form of recess notched out of the perimeter of the apertureA1. The segment of the perimeter of the aperture A1 provides threecontinuous supporting edges each of which is curvilinear or arcuate inshape. The supporting edges each comprises an arc length defined betweena pair of relief elements C1/C9, C9/C10, C7/C10.

The medial article retention structures RT2 comprises two reliefelements C1, C4, each of which defines an end of a tooth, between whichthe toothless region/segment TFR is defined.

The toothless or tooth free region/segment TFR of the main panel 414surrounding the aperture A2 may comprise at least one relief element C5,C6, C7 in the form of recess notched out of the perimeter of theaperture A2. The segment of the perimeter of the aperture A1 providesfour continuous supporting edges each of which is curvilinear or arcuatein shape. The supporting edges each comprises an arc length definedbetween a pair of relief elements C1/C7, C6/C7, C5/C16, C4/C5.

In the toothless or tooth free region/segment TFR of the main panel 414surrounding the aperture A1, A2 two adjacent relief elements define acontinuous supporting edge if a notional line y-y is in tangentialcontact with both of said relief elements (recesses or notches) contactsor intersects with the notional circle of the aperture A1, A2 orintersects with or contacts the edge of the aperture A1, A2.

FIG. 8 also illustrates a notional tangential line x-x in the toothedregion/segment TFR of the main panel 414. The notional tangential linex-x is in tangential contact with both relief elements defining a singletooth, the notional tangential line x-x does not contact or intersectwith the notional circle of the aperture A1, A2 nor does it intersectwith or contact the edge of the aperture A1, A2.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth embodiment and shows a blank 510 for forminga carrier (not shown), the sixth embodiment comprises a plurality ofpanels 512, 514, 516, 518, including a main panel 518 for forming anupper ply of a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier.

The plurality of panels 512, 514, 516, 518 may be arranged in a linearseries hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 513, 515, 517.

The blank 510 is arrange to accommodate a plurality of four articlesB_(S) arranged in a 1×4 matrix or array.

The blank 510 comprises a first outer side panel 116 hingedly connectedto a first side edge of the main panel 518 by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 517. A first inner side panel 514, in the form of apair of connecting panels, is hingedly connected to the first outer sidepanel 516 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 515. Thefirst outer side panel 516 comprises an extension or projection which isstruck from material which would otherwise form the first inner sidepanel 514, the extension interrupts the fold line 515. The extension isdefined at least in part by a cut line 525.

The blank 510 comprises a first lap panel 512 hingedly connected to thefirst inner side panel 514 by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 513. The extension of the first outer side panel 516 may interruptthe fold line 513 between the first lap panel 512 and the first innerside panel 514. A portion of the cut line 525 may interrupt or intersectwith the fold line 513. A portion of the cut line 525 may be collinearwith the fold line 513.

The main panel 518 comprises a plurality article retention structuressubstantially similar in arrangement to those of the embodiment of FIGS.3 and 10 , the blank 510 is configured to accommodate a plurality ofarticles B_(S) substantially of the type illustrated in FIG. 11B.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 14 , there are shown additional embodimentsof the present disclosure. In the seventh and eighth illustratedembodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote likeparts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “600”, “700”, to indicatethat these features belong to the seventh and eighth embodimentsrespectively. The additional embodiments share many common features withthe previous embodiments and therefore only the differences from theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11B will be described in detail.

FIG. 12 illustrates a seventh embodiment and shows a blank 610 forforming a carrier (not shown), the seventh embodiment comprises aplurality of panels 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, including a main panel 614for forming a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier.

A first side panel 618 is hingedly connected to a first side of the mainpanel 614 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 617. Asecond side panel 620 is hingedly connected to a second side of the mainpanel 614 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 619.

The blank 610 comprises a first end strap 626A/622A/612/622B/626B and asecond end strap 630A/624A/616/624B/630B substantially similar inconstruction to the end straps of the embodiment of FIG. 8 . Each of theend straps comprises a plurality of panels and may be referred tocollectively as an end panel.

In the seventh embodiment the first side panel 618 and the second sidepanel 620 each comprise a pair of glue locations G on inner surfacesthereof, at which glue locations G the first and second side panels 618,620 are adhesively secured to two of the adjacently disposed articles.

Each of a first securing panel 626A, a second securing panel 626B, athird securing panel 630A and a fourth securing panel 630B comprises aglue location G on an inner surface, at which glue location G therespective securing panel 626A, 626B, 630A, 630B is adhesively securedto an adjacently disposed article. The securing panels 626A, 626B, 630A,630B are secured to a respective article when folded between saidarticle and the respective one of the first and second side panels 618,620.

The securing panels 626A, 626B, 630A, 630B are secured to endmostarticles whilst the first and second side panels 618, 620 are secured tointermediate or inner articles.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an eighth embodiment and show a blank 710 forforming a carrier 790 respectively. The eighth embodiment comprises aplurality of panels 712, 714, 716, 718, 730, including a main panel 714for forming a top wall or an engaging panel of a carrier.

The blank 710 includes a first side panel 718 hingedly connected to afirst side of the main panel 714 by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 717, more specifically the first side panel 718 is hingedlyconnected to a first outer shoulder panel 714E forming part of the mainpanel 714. The blank 710 includes a second side panel 720 hingedlyconnected to a second side of the main panel 714 by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 719, more specifically the second side panel720 is hingedly connected to a second outer shoulder panel 714F formingpart of the main panel 714.

The first outer shoulder panel 714E is hinged to a first top panel 714Aby a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 773A. The second outershoulder panel 714F is hinged to a second top panel 714B by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 773B. The main panel 714 furthercomprises a first inner shoulder panel 714C and a second inner shoulderpanel 714D. The first inner shoulder panel 714C is hinged to a first toppanel 714A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 775A. Thefirst inner shoulder panel 714C is hinged to the second inner shoulderpanel 714D by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 776. Thesecond inner shoulder panel 714D is hinged to the second top panel 714Bby a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 775B.

The first inner shoulder panel 714C and the second inner shoulder panel714D form a keel structure disposed between two rows of articles B.

Each of the first and second top panels 714A, 714B includes opposedpairs of article-engaging devices 770A, 772A (and 770B, 772B) formedtherein and generally along respective fold lines 773A, 775A (and 773B,775B). Fold lines 773A, 775A hingedly interconnect the respective seriesof article-engaging devices 770A, 772A. Fold lines 773B, 775B hingedlyinterconnect the respective series of article-engaging devices 770B,772B. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the article-engagingdevices 770A, 772A, 770B, 772B takes the form of a curved slit. Theslits may be considered to interrupt a respective one of the fold lines773A, 775A 773B, 775B, between the first and second top panels 714A,714B and the inner and outer shoulder panels 714C, 714D, 714E, 714F. Inother embodiments, each of the article-engaging devices may be formed bya series of curved frangible lines. In other embodiments, thearticle-engaging devices 770A, 772A, 770B, 772B may comprise aperturesfor receiving upper parts of articles B held by the carrier 790. It willbe understood that many mechanisms exist for clipping, locking, orengaging the tops or other portions of articles B (such as radiallyprotruding portions or flanges) for holding the articles B in anassembled and secure group so that a number of articles B may easily bepurchased and transported at the same time. In the illustratedembodiment, the article-engaging devices 770A, 772A, 770B, 772B take theform of C-shaped slits which form openings when the top panels 714A,714B are folded about the fold lines 773A, 775A, 773B, 775B, eachthereby providing an article-engaging edge. Once opened, the slits aresized similarly to or substantially equal to the rim edge of an articleB. Each article-engaging device 770A, 772A, 770B, 772B provides a pairof openings for receiving a portion of an article B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fold lines 773A, 775A (and 773B,775B) that hingedly interconnect the series of article-engaging devices770A, 772A (and 770B, 772B) are slightly arcuate in shape (in otherembodiments they may be linear or straight) with their convex sidesdisposed toward the interiors of respective adjacent top panels 714A,714B.

First and second outer shoulder panels 714E, 714F each include one ormore second or stress-reducing fold lines 771A, 771B that extendalongside at least part of respective fold lines 773A, 773B. In theillustrated embodiment, stress-reducing fold lines 771A, 771B aregenerally arcuate (in other embodiments they may be linear or straight)with their concave sides disposed toward the interiors of respectiveadjacent top panels 714A, 714B. The stress-reducing fold lines 771A,771B can be disposed between two adjacent ones of cut lines 770A, 770B.

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second inner shoulder panels714C, 714D also include one or more second or stress-reducing fold lines777A, 777B that extend alongside at least part of respective fold lines775A, 775B. Stress-reducing fold lines 777A, 777B may generally mirrorthe stress-reducing fold lines 771A, 771B disposed on the first andsecond outer shoulder panels 714E, 714F. Stress-reducing fold lines777A, 777B may facilitate the contouring of inner shoulder panels 714C,714D to corresponding portions of the necks N of adjacent articles.

Inner shoulder panels 714C, 714D include at opposite ends thereofoblique fold lines 781A, 783A, 781B, 783B that are generally disposedbetween an outermost end of an outermost slit 772A, 772B and an adjacentoutermost edge of the shoulder panel 714C, 714D. The oblique fold lines781A, 783A, 781B, 783B extend generally parallel to the adjacentoutermost edges of their respective shoulder panels 714C, 714D as shown.The outermost edges of the inner shoulder panels 714C, 714D are definedat least in part by a cutaway in the form of an aperture A10. Obliquefold lines 781A, 783A, 781B, 783B may facilitate the contouring of innershoulder panels 714C, 714D to the neck portions of adjacent articles B.

The blank 710 comprises a first end strap 726A/722A/712/722B/726B and asecond end strap 730A/724A/716/724B/730B substantially similar inconstruction to the end straps of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 12 .

In the eighth illustrated embodiment the first side panel 718 and thesecond side panel 720 each comprise a pair of article glue locations Gon inner surfaces thereof, at which article glue locations G the firstand second side panels 718, 720 are adhesively secured to two of theadjacently disposed articles B.

Each of a first securing panel 726A, a second securing panel 726B, athird securing panel 730A and a fourth securing panel 730B comprises anarticle glue location G on an inner surface, at which article gluelocation G the respective securing panel 726A, 726B, 730A, 730B isadhesively secured to an adjacently disposed article B. The securingpanels 726A, 726B, 730A, 730B are secured to a respective article whenfolded between said article and the respective one of the first andsecond side panels 718, 720.

The securing panels 726A, 726B, 730A, 730B are secured to endmostarticles B whilst the first and second side panels 718, 720 are securedto intermediate or inner articles B.

The first side panel 718 and the second side panel 720 may each comprisea pair of panel glue locations G2 on inner surfaces thereof, at whichpanel glue locations G2 the first and second side panels 718, 720 areadhesively secured to a respective one of securing panel 726A, 726B,730A, 730B.

The panel glue locations G2 facilitate securing the end straps726A/722A/712/722B/726B, 730A/724A/716/724B/730B to the first and secondside panels 718, 720.

The present disclosure provides a carrier of the top engaging typehaving improved article retention structures or article top engagingdevices.

The carrier comprises a main panel having one or more article retentionstructures for receiving and securing the main panel to a respectivearticle. The carrier comprises at least one wing panel, which may takethe form of a side panel. The wing panel provides a surface for displayof indicia or information such as but not limited to advertising orbranding information. In some embodiments a pair of wing panels may beprovided in the form of a pair of opposing side panels. The at least onewing panel is hinged to the main panel which provides a primary topengaging panel. The wing panel is secured or securable to the packagedarticles. This may increase the integrity of the package as well asprevent or inhibit rotation of the or each packaged article; and mayserve to retain each packaged article at the optimum or bestgraphic-presenting display position or orientation.

A fugitive glue may be employed to secure the wing, side or securingpanels to the articles. An example of a specific glue is Swift®melt 7044manufactured by HB Fuller. Use of a fugitive glue is optional, anadvantage of a fugitive glue is its tendency to remain attached to thecarrier when the articles are disengaged from the carrier (this may bemore desirable than having the glue remain attached to the articles). Inalternative embodiments other adhesives maybe employed such as, but notlimited to, hot-melt glue.

The carrier may comprise at least one lap panel disposed in face to facerelationship with the main panel. The at least one lap panel maycomprises one or more opening for receiving a portion of an article.

The at least one lap panel may be hingedly connected directly to themain panel by a fold or crease line.

The at least one lap panel may be hingedly connected to the main panelby at least one further panel. The at least one further panel mayinclude the wing panel.

The present disclosure further provides a carrier having an articleengaging device comprising a main or engaging panel having at least onetop-receiving opening.

The top-receiving opening comprising a partially toothed engagingaperture having toothed perimeter section and toothless perimetersection wherein the toothless perimeter section has a radius ofcurvature R₂ which is greater than the radius R₁ of a notional circleN_(C1) defined by the engaging aperture.

The present disclosure further provides a carrier having a handlestructure. The carrier comprising a main or top panel and a pair of sideor wing panels hingedly connected to opposing sides of the main or toppanel by respective corner fold lines.

The carrier comprises a pair of handle openings disposed on the oppositesides of a corner fold line between a top-engaging panel and a sidepanel.

The carrier may comprise a handle opening in each of the pair of side orwing panels.

The carrier may comprise a further handle opening in the main or toppanel, the user may engage with the handle opening in the main or toppanel and with one of the handle openings in one of the pair of side orwing panels.

The carrier may comprise a further handle opening in the main or toppanel may comprise a pair of foldable tabs forming cushioning flaps,hinged to the main or top panel, the foldable tabs hinged in oppositionto each other and each being foldable towards one of the handle openingsin one of the pair of side or wing panels.

The handle opening in each of the pair of side or wing panels may bedefined at least in part by a foldable tab, hinged to the respectiveside or wing panels or to the top panel.

The side or wing panel may be a two ply structure comprising an innerwing panel and an outer wing panel in face to face relationship. Theinner wing panel comprising a handle opening disposed in registry oralignment with a handle opening in the outer wing panel.

The inner wing panel may be hingedly connected to the outer wing panel.

The handle opening in the inner wing panel may be provided by anextension of the outer wing panel struck from the inner wing panel whichcreates an opening therein when the outer wing panel is folded withrespect to the inner wing panel.

The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90; 190; 790 forpackaging at least one article B; Bs. The carrier 90; 190; 790 comprisesa main panel 18; 118; 218; 314; 414; 518; 614; 714 having at least onetop-engaging article device for receiving and securing the main panel toa respective article B; Bs the carrier 90; 190; 790 further comprisingat least one wing panel 14, 16, 20, 22; 114, 116, 120, 122; 214, 216,220, 222; 318, 318; 412, 416, 418, 420; 511, 516; 612, 616, 618, 620;712, 716, 718, 720 the at least one wing panel being hinged to the mainpanel 18; 118; 218; 314; 414; 518; 614; 714 and wherein the wing panelis adherable to the at least one article B; Bs.

The at least one top-engaging article device comprises at least onetop-receiving opening for receiving and securing the main panel to arespective article.

The at least one top-engaging article device may comprise at least onetop-receiving opening for partially receiving a respective article so asto and secure the main panel to said article.

The at least one top-engaging article device may comprise a pair oftop-receiving openings for partially receiving a respective article soas to and secure the main panel to said article.

The at least one wing panel comprises a side panel hinged to the mainpanel and may comprise an end panel, the end panel may be adhered to atleast one article.

The end panel may comprise a securing portion, the securing portion isdisposed in overlapping relationship with the side panel. The securingportion may be adhered to the at least one article. The securing portionmay be adhered to the side panel.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respectivepanels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish thesepanels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to“hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring toa single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed fromtwo or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may beeither straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear foldlines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with eachother or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinearfold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other todefine a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear foldlines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pairof arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such thatthey define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may beformed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinearfold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise acombination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold linewhich intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shapedpanel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line ofscores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can eachinclude elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank includingperforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line ofhalf-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits,scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and thelike. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide thedesired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can bedimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold lineand/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed tofacilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding andfacilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking withlittle effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment oftwo or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed ina first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in asecond of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with eachother may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thicknessof the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a firstpanel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that isplaced in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge ofthe aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of thesecond aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness ofthe first and second panels, with the second aperture.

1. An article carrier for packaging at least one article, the carriercomprising a main panel having at least one top-engaging article devicefor receiving a respective article to secure the main panel to therespective article, the at least one top-engaging article devicecomprising at least one engaging feature comprising at least one of: aplurality of teeth, a slit, and an opening, wherein the at least oneengaging feature provides an engaging edge configured to at leastpartially engage with an upper portion of the respective article; thecarrier further comprising at least one wing panel, the at least onewing panel being hingedly connected to a side edge of the main panel. 2.An article carrier according to claim 1, wherein the wing panel isadherable to the at least one article.
 3. An article carrier accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the at least one top-engaging article devicecomprises at least one top-receiving opening for at least partiallyreceiving the respective article to secure the main panel to saidarticle.
 4. (canceled)
 5. An article carrier according to claim 1,wherein the at least one wing panel comprises a side panel hingeddirectly to the main panel and hinged to an end panel, wherein the endpanel is adherable to the at least one article.
 6. An article carrieraccording to claim 5, wherein the end panel comprises a securingportion, the securing portion being disposed in an overlappingrelationship with the side panel.
 7. An article carrier according toclaim 6, wherein the securing portion is: (i) adhered to the at leastone article, or (ii) adhered to the side panel, or (iii) adhered to boththe at least one article and the side panel.
 8. An article carrieraccording to claim 1, wherein a maximum length of the at least one wingpanel is less than a maximum length of the main panel, and wherein theat least one article comprises a generally cylindrical can. 9.(canceled)
 10. A package comprising an article carrier and at least onearticle, the carrier comprising an engaging panel having at least onetop-receiving opening, each of the at least one article being receivedin each of the at least one top-receiving openings, respectively, so asto be secured to the engaging panel, wherein the at least onetop-receiving opening provides an engaging edge configured to at leastpartially engage with an upper portion of the respective article; thecarrier further comprising at least one wing panel, the at least onewing panel being hingedly connected to a side edge of the engagingpanel.
 11. A package according to claim 10, wherein the carriercomprises at least one lap panel disposed in face-to-face relationshipwith the engaging panel.
 12. A package according to claim 11, whereinthe at least one lap panel comprises at least one opening for receivinga portion of the at least one article, respectively.
 13. A packageaccording to claim 10, wherein the at least one wing panel comprises apair of wing panels in the form of a pair of opposing side panels hingeddirectly to opposing side edges of the engaging panel.
 14. A packageaccording to claim 10, wherein the at least one lap panel is eitherhingedly connected directly to the engaging panel by a fold or creaseline or hingedly connected to the main panel by at least one furtherpanel.
 15. A package according to claim 10, wherein the wing panel isadhered to the at least one article.
 16. (canceled)
 17. An articlecarrier according to claim 3, wherein the at least one top-receivingopening comprises a an engaging aperture that is at least partiallytoothed around its periphery, having a toothed perimeter section and atoothless perimeter section, wherein the toothless perimeter section hasa radius of curvature (R₂) that is greater than the radius (R₁) of anotional circle (N_(C1)) defined by the engaging aperture.
 18. Anarticle carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wingpanel is hingedly connected to a side edge of the main panel by a cornerfold line, wherein the carrier comprises a handle structure including apair of handle openings disposed on opposite sides of the corner foldline between the main panel and the wing panel.
 19. An article carrieraccording to claim 18, wherein the at least one wing panel comprises apair of wing panels in the form of opposing side panels, and wherein thecarrier comprises a handle opening in each of the pair of wing panels.20. An article carrier according to claim 19, wherein the carriercomprises a further handle opening in the main panel.
 21. An articlecarrier according to claim 20, wherein the further handle opening in themain panel comprises a pair of foldable tabs forming cushioning flapshinged to the top panel, the foldable tabs hinged in opposition to eachother and one of the pair of foldable flaps being foldable towards thehandle openings in one of the pair of wing panels and the other one ofthe pair of foldable flaps being foldable towards the handle opening inthe other of the pair of wing panels.
 22. An article carrier accordingto claim 19, wherein the handle opening in each of the pair of wingpanels is defined, at least in part, by a foldable tab that is eitherhinged to the respective wing panel or hinged to the main panel. 23.(canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)28. A blank for forming an article carrier configured to hold aplurality of generally cylindrical cans, the blank comprising anengaging panel having at least one top-receiving opening for receiving arespective article to secure the engaging panel to the respectivearticle, the at least one top-receiving opening comprising at least oneengaging feature comprising at least one of: a plurality of teeth a slitand an opening, wherein the at least one engaging feature provides anengaging edge configured to at least partially engage with an upperportion of the respective article; the blank further comprising at leastone wing panel, the at least one wing panel being hingedly connected toa side edge of the engaging panel.